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Who is a Counsellor?
Be an informed advocate and support ~ Asa Don Brown
A counsellor is a first point of contact for people suffering from mental health problems. He or she often works in hospitals, schools, and community health centres. He or she specialises in career counselling, health counselling, school counselling, and other related fields. Sometimes a counsellor works with different mental health professionals to provide efficient care to clients.
A counsellor is someone who is trained to listen to people and give them advice about their problems. Individuals who opt for a career as counsellor works with individuals and groups to improve their mental health and well-being, helps clients define goals, plan actions and gain insights, acts as a facilitator to reach goals, takes care of holistic health.
Quick Facts for Counsellor
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹31250
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Suitable for
Male, Female, Others
Individuals can take up a career as counsellors, it is not gender-specific. Males, women, and others can choose a career as a counsellor. Counselling is a gender-independent career and is apt for any gender type. Gender bias is non-existent in terms of education or salary as gender type is deemed insignificant for the career path.
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Any special needs
Yes
A career as a counsellor is well suited to everyone, even those with special needs. If the disability is not disrupting the efficiency of the counselling task, then counselling could be an apt career choice for people with special needs as it does not involve any physical activities that require strength or stamina.
Table of Contents for Counsellor
What is the role of Counsellor?
Counsellors are trained to assist people in working through their personal and emotional issues. Counsellors provide a safe and confidential environment in which clients can learn to work through their issues and develop strategies to address and resolve problems on their own.
They assist clients in coping with issues on a conscious level, which is more easily resolved through short-term treatment.
counsellors involve working with individuals, groups, families, and communities to improve mental health.
They encourage their clients to share their feelings and emotions.
They also address people with problems such as conflicts or choices in their lives.
Counsellors also conduct therapy sessions for people. They gave directions to their clients about goals.
Types of a Counsellor
The term "counsellor" is more than just school guidance. There are various types of counsellors, highlighting their diverse roles in various settings, from supporting students' academic journeys to contributing to comprehensive healthcare. Below are the ways in which they support individuals and communities.
Educator: School counsellors or children's counsellors assist students at all levels, from elementary school to college. Listen to students' concerns about academic, emotional, or social problems. Student counsellor job description includes helping students process their problems and plan goals and actions. Mediate conflict between students and teachers. One could work in schools, colleges, and universities, helping to support students with study and personal issues.
Healthcare professional: Healthcare professional's jobs are to work in different hospital settings and are an important part of a patient's treatment team. Therefore the counsellor's primary role is case management, meaning to help the family find important resources the patient needs after they are discharged. They could find work in hospitals, GP surgeries, community, and occupational healthcare teams helping clients with a range of problems. The voluntary sector also provides an array of job options.
Social Worker: Another option is to use your knowledge and counselling skills to move into settings such as teaching and social work. In the role of counsellor, the social worker helps client systems articulate their needs, clarify their problems, explore resolution strategies, and apply intervention strategies to develop and expand the capacities of client systems to deal with their problems more effectively.
Clinical psychologist: A clinical psychologist or therapist would benefit from clinical supervision in order to monitor their work with clients and also to guarantee the best possible way forward in their professional and personal development. The key to great supervision is a collaborative and interactive process that monitors the quality of client care, improves clinical skills, and facilitates personal and professional growth.
What is the workplace/work environment of Counsellor like?
Individuals who opt for a career as counsellors work with designated personnel as a thinking partner, revealing mirrors, and a facilitator among others. The diverse settings and client experiences can offer a range of challenges and learning opportunities.
Does Counsellor require travelling?
Not Likely
Not all counsellors require travel, the need for travel can vary depending on their specific work environment, area of practice, and individual circumstances. Some counsellors may choose to travel for professional development opportunities, such as attending seminars or workshops.
Time Pressure
Likely
Individuals who opt for a career as counsellors work on weekends as well as in the evening hours. A lot of counsellors also do part-time work. Most counsellors operate approximately forty-five hours a week while counsellors who are self-employed work more than this per week. So the time pressure for counsellors is more when working independently.
How to become a Counsellor?
Steps to become a Counsellor
If you are someone interested in giving advice to people and can solve their problems by guiding them to the right path, then a career as a Counsellor is the best career option for you. If you are looking for the details of how to become a Counsellor in India then we have mentioned below the steps for how to become a Counsellor in India or how to become a Counsellor after 12th.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Counsellor?
Here we have described the steps to know how to become a counsellor. Here we will be discussing all the basic counselling skills.
Listening: Effective listening ability in counselling increases trust, allows the clients to open up and reveal their emotions, and encourages them to share their feelings and thoughts. It also supports the collection of important patient information which helps the counselling process in the future.
Unbiased: Being bias-free includes a real assessment of the policy objectives and practices in the organisation to guarantee employers are honest to applicants, staff, and shareholders. The main benefit is that workers feel that their working conditions are secure, free of poor treatment, and also free from any kind of harassment and discrimination.
Professionalism: Professionalism embraces the behaviour and attitude, appearance, and ethical standards of a worker's place of work. Counsellors ought to specifically consider confidential matters. Everything mentioned in client meetings should only be forwarded on to third parties in exceptional cases other than the clinical supervisor of the counsellor.
Patience: The work of a counsellor can be very intense and demanding. He or she supports clients through emotional issues on a daily basis, which can lead to burnout. A counsellor should have patience to work effectively.
Empathy: Compassion, understanding, and genuineness are critical in the career of counselling. It provides hope in the counselling session. Individuals who opt for a career as counsellors need to remain curious and committed to improving their clients' emotional well-being for a lasting and gratifying career.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Counsellor?
We have mentioned below various certifications that counsellors can opt to upgrade their skills. These courses are not mandatory but equips individuals with knowledge and skills required to become a counsellor.
Internship Availability
Aspiring counsellors in India have many internship opportunities to explore. Online platforms like Manastha and Counsel India offer internship opportunities, while one can explore LinkedIn and Indeed positions. Universities with counselling programs often provide internships, and NGOs offer specialised experiences. Early searching and networking are key to securing the most suitable internship.
Most accredited master’s degrees in counselling include a practicum, or internship, as part of the core curriculum. This usually involves up to 600 hours of supervised fieldwork in schools and other professional settings. Licensure or certification is often contingent on completing an internship or practicum.
Counsellor Jobs and Salaries
Junior Counsellor
- Average Salary 19000
Job Description
The Junior Counsellor job description includes diagnosing the patient's mental and emotional disorders and providing effective treatment plans. A Junior Counsellor counsels and works with the patient to improve their mental health.
Salary Description
An entry-level Junior Counsellor salary in India ranges between Rs 0.6 Lakhs to Rs 4.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 2.3 Lakhs per annum. Junior Counsellor in India may vary depending on the various job factors like the skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Counsellor
- Average Salary 43500
Job Description
The Senior Counsellor job description includes educating and bringing awareness to the patients and their families and helping them to recover from their tough situations. A Senior Counsellor records the patient’s progress and makes treatment plans for them.
Salary Description
The estimated Senior Counsellor salary in India ranges from Rs 2.0 Lakhs to Rs 7.7 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 11.7 Lakhs per annum. Senior Counsellor salary may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Counsellor?
The job outlook for counsellors in India is very promising. As indian has a large number of student population but along this it has shortage in terms of qualified counsellors. The global career education counselling market is anticipated to rise between 2024 and 2030.
There are many other specialisations in counselling which are in huge demand such as mental health counselling, Relationship and Family Counselling, Rehabilitation counselling. There is a growing need for counsellors in schools to address mental health concerns, as well as in workplaces and private practice settings.
Frequently Asked Questions for Counsellor
Que. I have a Comedk rank of 16663. Can someone please tell me in which colleges I can get BTech CSE or BTech CSE with Specialization? A fellow student counsellor told me I could get into RNSIT but now I think my chances are extremely low. I have already messed up round 1 and 2, I need some guidance.
Ans.Hi there,
Hope you are doing fine.
Getting admission in any college at this rank in comedk is a little bit difficult but completely not impossible.
The cutoff for the various colleges generally varies depending on a lot of factors like the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam and many more. Some of the colleges which are available at this rank are:
- New Horizon College of Engineering
- MVJ College of Engineering
- East Point College of Engineering and Technology
- Acharya Institute of Technology
- BMS Institute of Technology and Management
You can visit the official website of comedk and then check previous year cutoff and opening and closing rank to know about the colleges in which you can get the admission.
Also, you can take help from our official college predictor which is especially designed by our experts to give you an idea about the colleges which are possible at this rank. The link of the predictor is mentioned below:
https://engineering.careers360.com/comedk-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=ini-cet_cp
Hope this resolves your query.
Que. i want to talk to a counsellor
Ans.Hello,
If you need to talk to a counselor for academic advice, career guidance, or personal issues, here are some options:
School or College Counselor: If you are studying in school or college, you can contact the counseling office of your institution. They can offer academic and personal counseling.
Online Counseling Platforms:
- YourDOST and iDreamCareer: Professional counseling for students and career guidance.
- Counselling Cell by NIRF and Government Agencies: They might have dedicated helplines.
Local Career Counseling Centers: Identify the local entities within your reach which might offer you direct guidance counseling related to your academics as well as your career aspirations.
Helpline: They have also issued some phone number in which several students want the answers of the query in the Board of Examination as well as in Boards of Education and the entrance examinations.
Do you require any specific contact number or a few more recommendations based on the sort of counseling required?
Que. Hello, I wanted to speak to a counsellor regarding colleges and my profile.
Ans.Hello Poonam,
If you want to speak to a counselor about colleges and your profile, you can contact career counseling services or educational platforms that offer personalized guidance. Here are steps you can follow:
-
University or College Websites
: Many universities have admission counselors available to help with queries.
-
Educational Platforms
: Websites like Career360 provide counseling services for college admissions.
-
Professional Counselors
: You can look for professional career counseling services in your area or online platforms like Mindler and iDreamCareer.
-
School or Coaching Institutes
: If you are a student, your school or coaching institute might provide counseling services or references.
- Government Initiatives : Some state and national-level educational departments also offer career guidance programs.
Book an appointment online or via phone with any of these services to discuss your academic profile and college options.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Que. Is being a counsellor a good job?
Ans.A job with a low-stress level, good work-life balance, and solid prospects to improve, get promoted, and earn a higher salary would make many employees happy. Here's how Mental Health Counsellors’ job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.
Que. Why is Counselling important?
Ans.The Importance of Counselling. Counselling provided by trained professionals can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. This service helps people navigate difficult life situations, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, school stress and the loss of a job.
Que. Describe HR counsellor job description.
Ans.The appointment process for qualified applicants is coordinated by a human resource counsellor. He or she negotiates work terms and conditions for workers. HR counsellor job description includes providing guidance and playing a major role in performance appraisal and processes of improvement, reviewing and managing data from the HR information system.
Que. How to become a counsellor without a psychology degree?
Ans.To become a counsellor without a psychology degree, you are required to complete a counselling certification program to gain the required knowledge and skills.
Que. How to become a counsellor without a psychology degree in India?
Ans.To become a counsellor without a psychology degree in India is that you must have strong skills and networking and you must also pursue a certification program to have the subject knowledge.
Que. How do I become a counselor without a degree?
Ans.If you want to know how you can be a counsellor without a college degree, you may want to look into addiction counselling. Some states allow people with a high school diploma and a combination of field experience or certification to become licensed to work as a counsellor with alcohol and drug abuse.
Que. Does Counselling really work?
Ans.Counselling really does work. Counselling can be tough and feel extremely distressing at times, especially at the beginning. It can be difficult to trust a stranger with your deepest, darkest feelings, emotions and experiences
You might also be interested in
Questions related to Counsellor
Hello, I wanted to speak to a counsellor regarding colleges and my profile.
Hello Poonam,
If you want to speak to a counselor about colleges and your profile, you can contact career counseling services or educational platforms that offer personalized guidance. Here are steps you can follow:
-
University or College Websites
: Many universities have admission counselors available to help with queries.
-
Educational Platforms
: Websites like Career360 provide counseling services for college admissions.
-
Professional Counselors
: You can look for professional career counseling services in your area or online platforms like Mindler and iDreamCareer.
-
School or Coaching Institutes
: If you are a student, your school or coaching institute might provide counseling services or references.
- Government Initiatives : Some state and national-level educational departments also offer career guidance programs.
Book an appointment online or via phone with any of these services to discuss your academic profile and college options.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Answer lateri want to talk to a counsellor
Hello,
If you need to talk to a counselor for academic advice, career guidance, or personal issues, here are some options:
School or College Counselor: If you are studying in school or college, you can contact the counseling office of your institution. They can offer academic and personal counseling.
Online Counseling Platforms:
- YourDOST and iDreamCareer: Professional counseling for students and career guidance.
- Counselling Cell by NIRF and Government Agencies: They might have dedicated helplines.
Local Career Counseling Centers: Identify the local entities within your reach which might offer you direct guidance counseling related to your academics as well as your career aspirations.
Helpline: They have also issued some phone number in which several students want the answers of the query in the Board of Examination as well as in Boards of Education and the entrance examinations.
Do you require any specific contact number or a few more recommendations based on the sort of counseling required?
I have a Comedk rank of 16663. Can someone please tell me in which colleges I can get BTech CSE or BTech CSE with Specialization? A fellow student counsellor told me I could get into RNSIT but now I think my chances are extremely low. I have already messed up round 1 and 2, I need some guidance.
Hi there,
Hope you are doing fine.
Getting admission in any college at this rank in comedk is a little bit difficult but completely not impossible.
The cutoff for the various colleges generally varies depending on a lot of factors like the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam and many more. Some of the colleges which are available at this rank are:
- New Horizon College of Engineering
- MVJ College of Engineering
- East Point College of Engineering and Technology
- Acharya Institute of Technology
- BMS Institute of Technology and Management
You can visit the official website of comedk and then check previous year cutoff and opening and closing rank to know about the colleges in which you can get the admission.
Also, you can take help from our official college predictor which is especially designed by our experts to give you an idea about the colleges which are possible at this rank. The link of the predictor is mentioned below:
https://engineering.careers360.com/comedk-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=ini-cet_cp
Hope this resolves your query.
I am doing BBA ,will a certificate course of data analytics be helpful in finding better job? I am planning to do MBA in international business after a year of job . so should I go for data analytics certificate course will it be beneficial for future ?
Yes. No doubt it will be beneficial. It is only going to open doors for you when you move towards getting a job. The certificate of data analytics will make your resume more complete.
Combination of BBA and data analytics is always good and does help in the future. With the help of certificate in data analytics, you can get into business analytics if you have great analytical skills.
I am pcm student with 72.2% in class 12th If I want to become a counsellor which should I choose Bsc psychology or Ba psychology or
Dear Sahar,
Hope you’re doing well.
It is necessary to start by looking at your school's undergraduate catalogue to identify the distinctions between the two degrees because each university may have its own requirements. After noting the core classes needed for each degree, examine the required electives and subject-matter courses.
Bachelor of Science versus Bachelor of Arts -
A Bachelor of Arts degree typically emphasises more general education courses in the liberal arts.
Students who select this degree option might also need to finish a foreign language requirement. The B.A. option typically entails taking fewer psychology courses and more classes in subjects unrelated to the major field of study. More scientific and math courses will be the focus of a bachelor's degree in science. It's possible that students pursuing a B.S. in psychology will need to take more general education lab and statistics courses. In comparison to those pursuing a B.A., B.S. students take more psychology courses and place a greater emphasis on their major area of study. The degree's subject matter area might also put more of an emphasis on courses in applied psychology and research methodologies.
What Academic Degree Is Better?
Although one degree may not always be superior to another, some academic experts contend that holders of a B.S. in psychology have more options and flexibility. But it's crucial to concentrate on picking a degree that best matches your own needs, abilities, interests, and career objectives.
For students who are really interested in psychology but also want to learn more about other academic fields, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a fantastic choice. For instance, you might choose to major in psychology while taking numerous courses in a subject like nutrition and health. Students who are interested in specialised psychology subjects like health psychology or forensic psychology may find this preparation to be ideal. Students that select this degree option later on may choose to pursue additional study in business, journalism, political science, social work, counselling, education, or law.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides excellent preparation for doctoral study in psychology or related fields, as well as for professions in the sciences. Students with a keen interest in science can also gain from the broad study of biological science and research methodology offered by this degree choice. The Bachelor of Science programme should undoubtedly be taken into consideration if you intend to pursue graduate study in psychology.
Review the prerequisites for each degree at your university and see a psychology department adviser for more guidance before determining which path is best for you.
So what's the final word?
Considering a psychology degree if you:
- are you intending to pursue a career after completing your undergraduate studies?
- You want to pursue a graduate degree in a subject other than psychology, such business, law, counselling, social work, or management.
Consider a BS in Psychology if you:
- a more science-focused curriculum interests you
- You want to pursue a psychology graduate degree.
- You want to study medicine.
So. As you said you want to be counsellor BA degree of psychology will be best for you. here’s a list of few colleges which offers the same in India -
https://university.careers360.com/colleges/list-of-ba-in-psychology-degree-colleges-in-india
All the best.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
India is perceived as a counselling- deficit sector where over 93 per cent schools do not have a professional counsellor on board.
Fact 2
20% of Indians need counselling at some point of their lives. While one per cent of the population suffers from serious mental health disorders.
Fact 3
The government estimates that about 1 in 5 people in the country need counselling, either psychological or psychiatric.
Fact 4
In 1990, 416 million people suffered from depression or anxiety worldwide - these numbers rose to 615 million in 2013 (World Health Organisation, 2016).
